Five Common Communication Mistakes

that Educators Make

(and How to Correct Them)

Rich Mercadante

communication involves choices

My communication is always within

my control.

escalate or

de-escalate

misreading perceptions

1

What did you just see?Reese’s

Bay Ruth

M & M’s Peanut

M & M’s Plain

York Peppermint Patty

Juicy Fruit Gum

Kit Kat

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar

Almond Joy

Snickers

prototype – ideal examples

self concept

http://www.t-shirthumor.com/Merchant2/products/disg.html?Category_Code=tops

reflective appraisal – looking glass self

how WE think others see us

impression management

creating impressions with language

1. state observations

2. ask other person if they share your perception

3. consider other interpretations.

weak listening

2

http://www.vtaide.com/png/images/talking.jpg

linear model

source receiver

transactional model

active listening

attention

empathy

response

misunderstanding verbal language

3

no dentist today

put essay in drop box

language is power

I was wondering if I could speak to Dr.

Jones.

I need to speak to Dr. Jones.

anticipate misunderstanding

rephrase

do better next time

misunderstanding nonverbal language

4

Why don’t you like me?

look in the mirror

videotape yourself

be aware of your nonverbals

failure to resolve conflict

5

resolving conflict

defense mechanisms

sarcasm

overly critical

resolving conflict

win-win

time

focus on problem

perception check

coping with defensiveness

judgment vs. description

control vs. problem focus

strategy vs. spontaneity

neutrality vs. empathy

superiority vs. equity

certainty vs. provision

Avoiding communication escalation:

I vs. You